Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is increased in serum levels of patients with symptomatic dermographism

Introduction Symptomatic dermographism (SD) is the most common form of physical urticaria. However, the role of neuroimmune mechanisms in SD is unclear. Aim To investigate circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in symptomatic dermographism. Material and methods Thirty-two patients suffering from SD and 33 healthy subjects were included in the study. Serum BDNF levels were determined by a human enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit. The serum C-reactive protein concentration and eosinophil counts in peripheral blood were evaluated. Results The BDNF serum levels were detectable in both SD patients and healthy controls. The BDNF serum levels were significantly higher in patients with SD compared with healthy controls (p = 0.004). There was a positive but weak correlation between serum BDNF and CRP levels; it was not statistically significant (r = 0.211, p = 0.255). There was also a positive but weak correlation between serum BDNF and eosinophil counts; it was not statistically significant (r = 0.271, p = 0.141). Conclusions The present study shows that BDNF is increased in the serum levels of patients with SD, suggesting a role for BDNF in the pathophysiology of this disorder.